JO inspections of remand isolation
In spring 2026, the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s Opcat unit inspected four Swedish remand prisons to examine measures intended to break detainees’ isolation. The rendered page and raw response preserve the announcement and recommendations.
JO reported that a majority of detainees in the inspected facilities were isolated and that several had been isolated for an extended period. The Ombudsman emphasized risks of serious mental and physical harm and recommended more time out of cells, meaningful varied activity, adequate staffing, and usable exercise areas.
The inspection covers four facilities rather than the whole system. Its findings nevertheless show that remand isolation remained a current, material problem after earlier Swedish reforms and international criticism. It grounds Swedish remand detention and restrictions.